Nov, 2010 update (including 52 2010 references) of Mar, 2009 original. The author once believed anyone not accepting the "proven" scenarios for chemical and biological evolution that were ingrained during his science education had the same mentality as someone believing in a flat earth. With continued scientific investigation, paying closer attention to actual data (rather than speculative conclusions), he began to doubt the natural explanations that had been so ingrained in a number of key areas including the origin and fine-tuning of mass and energy, the origin of life with its complex functional information, and the increase in functional complexity in living organisms. It was science, and not religion, that caused his disbelief in the explanatory powers of undirected nature using scientific-sounding concepts that in fact have no known scientific basis. Scientific integrity needs to be restored so that ideas that have no methods to test or falsify are not considered part of science. Too often "possible" is used by scientists without considering that "possible" has a scientific definition within the nature of probability. For example, one should not be able to get away with stating "it is possible that life arose from non-life by ..." or "it's possible that a different form of life exists elsewhere in the Universe" without first demonstrating that it is indeed possible (non-zero probability) using known science. This book reviews the many prevalent scenarios that are widely accepted, but need closer examination of their scientific validity. It will also examine the scientific validity of Intelligent Design (ID) as a model that can be empirically detected and examined. For example, the book uses known science (including Shannon, functional, and prescriptive information principles) to prove that it is impossible (zero probability) for life's complex information system, with thousands of interacting computers in each cell, to have an undirected natural source. The usefulness of the ID model for furthering scientific inquiry is also analyzed. One chapter is devoted to exposing fallacies, presuppositions, and beliefs that attempt to prevent acceptance of ID as "science."
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From the Author
The original 2009 book was updated in November 2010 to include most of the material in my newest book, "Programming of Life," as well as new discoveries since originally written (over 50 references from 2010). Since a "Lite" version of this book is available, no attempt was made to make this version easily understood by people without a strong science background. See scienceintegrity.org for more information on all three books, including reviews and excerpts. None of the books take a particular philosophical or theological stance on the science that is empirically observable since any such stance would fall outside empirical science. The author welcomes scientific criticism and notification of any errors, but criticism based on a philosophical stance will not be considered of value.
About the Author
Earned Ph.D.s in both Computer & Information Sciences and Chemistry. Senior research scientist for 10 years in pharmaceutical and medical/scientific instrument fields. Served as president and technical expert in an independent computer consulting firm for many years. Taught 20 years in universities in the US and Europe. Maintains "scienceintegrity.org" site.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Dr. Don Johnson (see video clips from a presentation) has earned Ph.D.s in both Computer & Information Sciences from the University of Minnesota and in Chemistry from Michigan State University. He was a senior research scientist for 10 years in pharmaceutical and medical/scientific instrument fields, served as president and technical expert in an independent computer consulting firm for many years, and taught 20 years in universities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, California, and Europe. He has made ID-Friendly and Intelligent Design Presentations on most continents, including in Russia, China, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Germany. He now owns and operates Science Integrity with Website www.scienceintegrity.org, which has more details on the books (including excerpts, reviews, and endorsements), as well as interviews, speaking tours, on-line videos, and other information.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
49 of 59 people found the following review helpful
By Atom
Format:Paperback
This book by Dr. Johnson provides a good overview of the current state of ID Theory. It contains references to cutting-edge ID research into bio-functionality (such as the FSCI of "Kalinsky", Abel and Trevors) and a very enjoyable discussion about one particularly fascinating design isomorph, the trilobite prosthetic eye. The book is readable and has excellent introductory and closing chapters on the philosophical/psychological resistance to design inferences. These should be required reading for anyone within the debate. Especially enjoyable is a discussion centered around the use of "possible" in scientific papers, before non-zero possibility has ever been demonstrated. This section was a unique insight on his part and should add to the depth of the discussion.
On the weaker side, the book does make use of quotes...a lot. To the point that it may turn some readers off or induce unfair/unsubstantiated cries of "quote-mining." (One should always check the source references, which are provided, for controversial quotes and *always* provide evidence before accusing of quote-mining...) The book may also cause uproar in the discussion of Dawkins' "Weasel" program, which has been a consuming topic of the ID-Darvo blogosphere recently. Although the book does correctly point out that since Dawkins never released his source code we are left to guess and infer what the underlying program structure was, it also only presents only one view of the progam, namely that it is equal to Partitioned Search. There is evidence that the program was not meant to model partitioned search ([...]), so at very least, that view should have also been presented. This isn't a killer and is understandable given the opacity of Dawkins' presentation in his book (without ever providing the source code), but is still something that could have been avoided.
This book will undoubtably attract tags of "crank", "delusional", etc, due to it simply being an ID book, by those who hate anything ID associated. But as someone who has read the book, it is fine as far as research goes. References are provided in abundance, so the interested reader can follow up on the research discussed.
So if you want the crowd to think for you, then you'll want to skip this book, due to its "association" with ID. If you want to weigh the evidence for yourself, this book is a good place to begin.
On the weaker side, the book does make use of quotes...a lot. To the point that it may turn some readers off or induce unfair/unsubstantiated cries of "quote-mining." (One should always check the source references, which are provided, for controversial quotes and *always* provide evidence before accusing of quote-mining...) The book may also cause uproar in the discussion of Dawkins' "Weasel" program, which has been a consuming topic of the ID-Darvo blogosphere recently. Although the book does correctly point out that since Dawkins never released his source code we are left to guess and infer what the underlying program structure was, it also only presents only one view of the progam, namely that it is equal to Partitioned Search. There is evidence that the program was not meant to model partitioned search ([...]), so at very least, that view should have also been presented. This isn't a killer and is understandable given the opacity of Dawkins' presentation in his book (without ever providing the source code), but is still something that could have been avoided.
This book will undoubtably attract tags of "crank", "delusional", etc, due to it simply being an ID book, by those who hate anything ID associated. But as someone who has read the book, it is fine as far as research goes. References are provided in abundance, so the interested reader can follow up on the research discussed.
So if you want the crowd to think for you, then you'll want to skip this book, due to its "association" with ID. If you want to weigh the evidence for yourself, this book is a good place to begin.
22 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
As an elder and an engineer, I'd always thought I had a pretty good balance between science and religion. I had't noticed over the years, how a strong diet of PBS and Science Channel specials had shifted many of my fundamental beliefs in God, and the nature of creation. I found myself questioning everything, and was becoming quite fatalistic in my 60's. This book changed all that. Over the course of two days my brain experienced a major reality check. As "common thought" and scietific assumptions failed the tests of statistical possibility, the inevitability of an intelligent source to all life began to emerge anew in my reasoning. Certain facts of science should not be explained by religion. But when scientists attempt to explain certain realities of faith through faulty application of methods and reasoning, and then clings to these tenets in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, they just end up looking silly. This is what I came away with from my two day journey. The book was extremely detailed and yet very readable. I give it an A+. It may have been the most significant book I've read in 10 years.Probability's Nature and Nature's Probability: A Call to Scientific Integrity
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book draws attention to several problems with the reigning (materialist) view of how life began. Dr. Johnson focuses a lot on probability issues and the source of information.
The book is easy to read and offers a large number of thoughts worth ruminating about.
The book illustrates the advantages and pitfalls of self-publishing. On the one hand, the price is unbeatable and was brought to market quickly. On the other hand, there is room for improvement in how the material is organized. Although the quotes and thoughts make sense individually, the chapters and sections could be organized more coherently. Additional diagrams would also be much appreciated.
I urge everyone to get a copy and watch for the other book he is coming out with.
Dr. Royal Truman
Mannheim, Gemany
The book is easy to read and offers a large number of thoughts worth ruminating about.
The book illustrates the advantages and pitfalls of self-publishing. On the one hand, the price is unbeatable and was brought to market quickly. On the other hand, there is room for improvement in how the material is organized. Although the quotes and thoughts make sense individually, the chapters and sections could be organized more coherently. Additional diagrams would also be much appreciated.
I urge everyone to get a copy and watch for the other book he is coming out with.
Dr. Royal Truman
Mannheim, Gemany
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book
This book takes a complex subject and breaks it down into understandable concepts. While much of the science will be difficult if not impossible for the lay reader to follow,... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Limozine
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bought this as a gift
I bought this for my husband who is very into studying Creationism vs. the theory of Evolution, and he has really enjoyed reading this. It is well thought-out and presented.
Published 5 months ago by Rachel A
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good length, well written
I found this book to be a good review of intelligent design topics. It is easy to follow and well written. Unlike some other books on this topic the length was just right for me. Read more
Published on March 17, 2010 by Andrew W. Tofel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent and Discerning Book
I am a public school teacher in Texas. I could not put down Dr. Johnson's book. I found the book to be very insightful and interesting, as well as illuminating in many factual... Read more
Published on February 13, 2010 by JFKTx
5.0 out of 5 stars
facts are facts
Very interesting little easy read book. It presents facts, not conjecture. A good beginner's book in intelligent design (or a creator, if you prefer).
Published on February 1, 2010 by M. S. Adams
5.0 out of 5 stars
"What are the odds"
This is a short book at only 111 pages but it packs a wallop. In the first chapter Johnson explains the law of probability. Read more
Published on January 15, 2010 by Shawna Lynne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Specific quantitative refutation to Darwinian evolution & philosophy
I teach high school biology, including "evolution" but with a critical summary of the theory since it is not as comprehensive as general biology books - including Miller's popular... Read more
Published on December 31, 2009 by J. Reimer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative.
Great book to add to your collection if your study is concerned with the Origin of Life.
Published on December 29, 2009 by John Gagliardi
5.0 out of 5 stars
A modicum of common sense at last!
This is not just another shot in the war between the supporters of evolution theory and Intelligent Design. Read more
Published on December 27, 2009 by Matyas Mero
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent but difficult reading
This book is an excellent unbiased overview of scientific facts and recent research that confirm: 1) the existence of an ultimate intelligence behind the universe (macrocosm and... Read more
Published on November 27, 2009 by E. Douglass Brown
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
